Cape York & Torres Strait Explorer

Accommodation: Rossville Retreat - Camping

Meals: Lunch

Start the day with breakfast in Rossville, then meet a local Aboriginal guide for a cultural immersion experience. Begin with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by a bush food and medicine walk, where your guide shares stories about the land and its deep significance. Try your hand at boomerang throwing and enjoy a cup of tea as you take in this unique opportunity to connect with Country.

Next, visit the Cooktown History Centre to learn about the town's historical importance, particularly its impact on Aboriginal history. From here, leave the lush rainforest behind as you travel to Laura, home to the incredible Quinkan Country rock art. This optional self-guided walk takes you to one of the world's top 10 rock art sites, recognised by UNESCO and listed on the Australian Heritage Estate. The paintings, depicting stories that date back tens of thousands of years, are well worth the challenging uphill walk.

Tonight, settle into a local campground and enjoy dinner with your group, reflecting on a day filled with cultural discovery and adventure.
Special Information: The walk to the rock art site is steep and rocky, requiring a moderate level of fitness. If you prefer to opt out, you can relax at the base of the hill instead.
Total travel time today: approx. 3hrs

Accommodation: Laura (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, set off for Coen, a small rural town on the eastern side of the Cape York Peninsula. On arrival, visit the Coen Heritage House, where you can explore displays showcasing the town's gold-mining history and local heritage.

After lunch, continue the journey north to Archer River, your stop for the night. With a long travel day ahead, sit back and enjoy the ride—whether it's with a good book, your favourite playlist, or classic road trip games.

Tonight, settle in at the Archer River Roadhouse campsite, set on 400 hectares of native bushland. As the sun sets over this remote wilderness, keep an eye out for local wildlife emerging for the evening.
Total travel time today: approx. 5hrs

Accommodation: Archer River Roadhouse (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a walk through the Wenlock Goldfield, a heritage-listed gold mining site in Archer River that dates back to 1892. These atmospheric ruins offer a glimpse into the region's gold rush past before you continue your journey to the eastern side of The Cape.

Driving through Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) National Park, stop at the Mount Tozer viewpoint, where a short walk rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and rugged wilderness. This unique national park is home to a diverse ecosystem, including rare and endangered wildlife.

By evening, arrive at our campsite, where you'll set up camp close to the water, surrounded by swaying trees. This remote and beautiful spot is a favourite for birdwatching, fishing, and simply soaking up the tranquility. Enjoy dinner with your group at the campsite and fall asleep to the sounds of the rainforest.
Total travel time today: approx. 4hrs

Accommodation: Iron Ranges basic National Park camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, take a short drive to the remote coastal community of Portland Roads, a historic outpost framed by mangroves and tropical scenery. If the local café is open, it's the perfect spot to grab a coffee and a snack while soaking up the laid-back atmosphere.

Next, visit the Lockhart River Arts Indigenous Corporation, home to the renowned 'Art Gang', a collective of local Indigenous artists who have been sharing their vibrant and expressive works since 1995. After exploring the art centre, stop by Quintel Beach, a stunning stretch of coastline where you can take in the peaceful surroundings.

In the afternoon, travel to your campsite on the banks of the Wenlock River, where you'll be staying at Moreton Telegraph Station for the next two nights. This gives you the chance to unwind and settle in, surrounded by the beauty of the Cape York wilderness.

Accommodation: Moreton Telegraph Station (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, journey to the Western Cape Cultural Centre in Weipa, where you'll gain insight into the history, culture, and traditions of the region's Indigenous communities. Through informative displays and artworks, learn about the centre's role in preserving traditional language and heritage.

Next, set off on a boat cruise through Cape York's mangrove-lined waterways, keeping an eye out for saltwater crocodiles and the diverse birdlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem. Along the way, discover more about the local culture and wildlife habitats from your expert guide.

After the cruise, visit Lake Patricia and take a short guided walk with your trip leader to explore the area. In the evening, return to your campsite on the Wenlock River, enjoy dinner with your group, and spend another night under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the Cape York wilderness.
Special Information: The timing of the eco-cruise and the structure of the day may vary depending on the tides.
Total travel time today: approx. 4hrs

Accommodation: Moreton Telegraph Station (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, journey to Kennedy's Lost Camp, where you'll learn about Edmund Besley Court Kennedy J.P., a 19th-century Australian explorer whose expeditions through Cape York ended in tragedy. Gain insight into his journey and the challenges faced by early explorers in this rugged and remote region.

Next, travel to Fruit Bat Falls, a stunning oasis nestled within Apudthama National Park. Take a nature walk around the lush surroundings or enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters—one of the few safe swimming spots in Cape York.

After your dip, continue north to the Jardine River ferry, crossing into Seisia, the northernmost mainland community in Queensland. With untouched beaches, calm waters, and swaying palm trees, this picturesque seaside location is the perfect place to unwind. You'll spend the next three nights at a local caravan park, with dinner tonight at the campsite alongside your group.
Total travel time today: approx. 4hrs

Accommodation: Seisia Holiday Park (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today marks a bucket-list moment as you journey to Pajinka, the northernmost point of mainland Australia, also known as ?The Tip'. Take a scenic inland walk to reach this iconic spot, soaking in the incredible views and the sense of achievement that comes with standing at the very edge of the continent.

From here, continue to Somerset Beach and Fly Point, where you'll have the chance to relax by the water and snap some photos while keeping an eye out for resident turtles. Then, delve into history as you visit World War II plane wreckages, scattered across Cape York—a stark reminder of the Allied air bases that once stood here and how close the war came to Australian shores.

End the day with a visit to the remote Indigenous community of Injinoo (also known as Cowal Creek or Small River), followed by some free time to explore Bamaga, the main town of the Northern Peninsula Area. Stock up on snacks and essentials before returning to Seisia for another relaxing night by the coast.
Total travel time today: approx. 4hrs

Accommodation: Seisia Holiday Park (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, take the local ferry to Thursday Island, the cultural and administrative hub of the Torres Strait Islands, located between mainland Australia and Papua New Guinea. Upon arrival, meet a local Torres Strait Islander guide for an immersive cultural experience. On a guided walk along Bayo Beach, learn about the history, traditions, and way of life of the Torres Strait Islander people, gaining a deeper understanding of this unique island community.

Enjoy some free time to soak up the island's tropical charm—perhaps try the famous crayfish toastie, a must-try local delicacy. In the afternoon, board the ferry back to the mainland, cruising through the stunning turquoise waters of the Torres Strait before returning to Seisia for your final night.
Special Information: The ferry ride takes approximately 2.5 hours and can be quite choppy. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication beforehand. Additionally, be aware that certain items are restricted from being brought back to mainland Australia—please check regulations before departing Thursday Island.

Accommodation: Seisia Holiday Park (camping)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: n/a

Meals: Breakfast